It's hard to believe
that this Shetland band have just celebrated their tenth anniversary year,
given that most of the players are in their mid twenties, and they do
it in style with an album which captures the essence of their live sound.

The four fiddle frontal
attack of Chris Stout, Maurice Henderson, Kevin Henderson and Andrew Gifford
is as keen as ever - fiesty fired-up playing on the reels and jigs backed
by genuinely eye wiping arrangements on the slower sets. This is where
da Bid excel over the competition; the care and attention taken to arrangements
are at times just stunning, and are intertwined with the back line of
Steve Yarrington's guitar, Dave Cole's bass and Catriona McKay's piano.
Just listen to the 'Pumping Bass' set or 'Da waters o' da Gut' if you
need convincing.

Ms McKay ably demonstrates
why she is currently one of the country's top clarsach players - but she's
also a fantastic accompanist, the piano syncopation on the opening set
of reels, which features three eminent Shetland composers, immediately
captures the ears. And if she can knock off more tunes like 'The Swan'
the repertoire will be greatly enhanced. It's simply one of the most beautiful
compositions of recent years.

The amazing thing
is this is such a traditional album - there are no special effects or
beats lumped in. The tunes, either self-composed or otherwise Shetland
based respect their heritage. Old favourites like 'Da Shaalds' and 'Da
Full Rigged Ship' are given immense respect in the tempo and careful restraint
employed, whilst Chris Stout's composition 'Zander the Sander' almost
defies gravity with a complex time signature played at immense speed.
Easily one of the most exciting live acts currently on the scene, they've
finally got a studio recording that does them justice. Album of any year.